Title

Author

Document Type

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Education, Teaching-Learning Processes

Date of Defense

7-10-2017

Graduate Advisor

Nancy Singer

Committee

Nancy Singer

Amber Candela

Vanessa Gary

Susan Catapano

Abstract

This study used a mixed methods approach to examine the factors that cause teachers’ stress--specifically burnout and the strategies teachers use to become resilient. The study took place in a Midwest, rural school. Previous research suggests that stress is a common predictor of burnout (Torelli & Gmelch, 1992). Researchers have shown that teaching about stress and strategies to cope with stress are effective (Wu et al., 2006). However, there is limited research on the strategies used to cope effectively with teachers’ stress and burnout. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Educators Survey was used to assess the stress levels of sixty-one rural educators. The results of the study show that the population experienced greater Emotional Exhaustion and, therefore, were at a higher risk for burnout.